Health Tip: Talk to Your Kids About Alcohol

(HealthDay News) -- It's not easy to discuss the dangers of drinking with your children, but it's a conversation that must take place.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice:

• Begin talking about alcohol openly when children are young.
• Focus on your concerns and love for your children, rather than making the conversation threatening or judgmental.
• Teach your kids how to decline alcohol when they're approached by friends.
• Understand risk factors that may increase the likelihood of underage drinking, such as low self-esteem or problems at home.
• Set a good example as a parent.
• Don't ignore warning signs that a child or teen is drinking.